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While we wait for Disneyland to reopen, we’ve been monitoring the news every day to bring our Inside the Magic readers all the latest updates. This week, we’re rounding up the top stories to share what’s going on inside and outside the theme parks of Disneyland Resort.
For the previous week’s news, click here to read the August Disneyland Reopening News Roundup!
What’s Happening Inside the Theme Parks?
Disneyland and Disney California Adventure remain closed until further notice. But that doesn’t mean things aren’t happening behind the gates! In the past week, we’ve caught glimpses of some small but exciting work being done within the theme parks.
We have been monitoring the #mattercam since March for any hints about reopening. This is the first time we have seen track inspections on the Matterhorn since closing. Inspections could have happened before. Is this a hint of #disneyland reopening? Movement below "bobsled zoom" pic.twitter.com/Dqxd5MQQil
— Anaheim Park Tourist (@AnaheimPark) September 4, 2020
First, attractions are being inspected and tested. Based on recent comments from Disney Parks officials, we are led to believe that this work is being done in preparation for the reopening of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. It has been many months since these attractions were experienced by Guests, so it makes sense for Disney to need to inspect and test them leading up to the reopening of the Southern California Disney Parks.
Additionally, we caught glimpses of Cast Members at the turnstiles of Disney California Adventure. That’s given plenty of fans hope for reopening news coming soon, though we’re not holding our breath as we know Governor Newsom and the state of California have not given indications of a reopening date yet.
Horses being walked on Main Street at #Disneyland photo from Christie.reynoldss on ig pic.twitter.com/q3eeSYi1Vc
— thecalibae (@thecalibae) September 1, 2020
And of course, how could we forget the horses on Main Street? One lucky fan was in the right place at the right time and was able to see horses being walked around Town Square in the direction of Main Street, U.S.A. Many speculate that this is to get the horses used to walking the Main Street route again, while others wonder if it means horses will be in some way involved in character cavalcades, like at Walt Disney World.
Crowds Flock to Downtown Disney in Triple Digit Heat
During Labor Day weekend, the city of Anaheim — and all over Southern California — experienced triple digit temperatures. But that didn’t stop Disney fans from heading to Downtown Disney!
The Downtown Disney District reached capacity on both Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day Weekend. But on Saturday, there were so many people trying to get onto Disneyland Resort property that Disney officials actually had to limit admission into Downtown Disney to only those with reservations. That meant that unless you had a confirmed dining reservation at any of the restaurants at Downtown Disney, you could not enter.
Downtown Disney Update: Due to limited capacity, we are occasionally pausing parking and entry into #DowntownDisney. Only Guests with dining reservations will be accommodated during this time. General entry will resume as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience!
— Disneyland AP (@DisneylandAP) September 5, 2020
This instance just goes to show that nothing can keep Disney fans from wanting to experience Disney magic. Even though Disneyland and DCA are closed for the time being — and even though temperatures of over 100 degrees were felt in Anaheim — that didn’t stop people from visiting the Happiest Place on Earth. And like we’ve share before, the Disney magic can definitely be felt at Downtown Disney.
Delayed Reservations at Disneyland Hotels
When it comes to staying on property at Disneyland Resort, Guests are going to need to wait longer than they may have anticipated. The latest news regarding Disneyland hotels came this past week when the Disneyland Resort official website reflected that hotels could only be booked for October 1 and later.
That means that if you want to book a trip to DLR and stay on property, you can only book a reservation for the Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, or Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa for October 1 and beyond. And anyone who has a trip booked for earlier than that is being contacted and given the option to postpone or cancel their reservation.
But don’t fret! We’ve shared plenty of reasons why we suggest booking a flight or booking a hotel stay at Disneyland as soon as possible. And if you want guidance on this, we highly recommend making plans for your next Disneyland Resort vacation with the Authorized Disney Vacation Planners at Academy Travel.
Trust us: we know Disneyland and DCA aren’t yet open, but the Happiest Place on Earth will be there to welcome you as soon as the magic is ready.